Blueliner Andrew Ference heard the rumour claiming San Jose's HP Pavilion is the loudest rink in these Stanley Cup playoffs.

"I guess those people haven't been here yet," Ference scoffed. "If people think that rink's loud, they're standing in a different spot than I am.

"(The Saddledome) is loud.

"It's as loud as I've ever heard in my life."

Playoff fever has been flowing throughout the Stampede City for weeks now. Posters, banners and flags are everywhere. California isn't the same.

"You can't compare it to what's going on in this city right now," Ference said.

"We've got good hockey fans and there's been a lot of pent-up cheering that has been brewing for a few years. If we give our fans reason to cheer, they'll blow the building up."

BITS AND PIECES: Steve Montador doesn't think he'll be any more popular than when he left town. Asked if he'll be hailed as a hero by the Sea of Red for his Game 1 overtime winner, Montador said, "Just one of 20 I would think." ... No one wants to be left waiting when Craig Conroy begins to speak. One of the most accommodating players in the NHL, Conroy is routinely the last Flames player to leave the dressing room on off-days, staying behind until the last question has been asked. Jarome Iginla, who also never turns down an interview request, made the mistake of walking into the room just as Conroy was preparing to hold court with a horde of media types. "I'm not waiting for Connie to finish," Iginla joked. "I have to be home in the next hour or so."